I've heard similar statements, almost word for word, just change the letters ING, to WBC, CBA, ANZ, etc.
I'll also bet money that ING hadn't approved the loan, someone just told they had to keep you quiet.
I certainly agree with most of the sentiments of my colleagues regarding ING. Their servicing is terrible for multiple properties (although they do have a few ways around this) and their variation process is awful.
They do have their place however and they are actively working to improve...